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Ask the Vet: How can I get my dog used to a crate?

Posted: Jul. 31, 2012 12:25 am Updated: Jul. 31, 2012 12:26 am

Q: We have booked an appointment for our little guy, but it is not for another week and I have a question that I am hoping you can offer advice on. We are trying to crate train Oakley for when my husband and I are not home. Luckily we have worked it out that for the most part during his first two weeks home, one of us will be home for most of the day to enable him to get used to his new home.

However we have been trying to get him used to the crate and he just does not like it. We have it open and we feed him in there so he gets used to going in and out, we have him sniff it and explore it himself, etc. Well, we have tried a few times to close the door with him in it while we are home to get him used to the crate and he cries and barks uncontrollably. We left him in the crate for two hours yesterday for the first time and I think he did OK but I am sure he gives himself anxiety over it.

Do you have any advice on how we can help him accept the crate as a safe place and not get so upset when he is closed in there? We have NEVER used it as punishment (or ever will) and praise him all the time when he is in there for whatever reason.

Any advice you have we would greatly appreciate!!! Thank you so much!!!!

A: Don't despair, you are doing a great job. Oakley will begin to accept the crate and eventually will use it as his own personal escape. If you respond to the barking by taking him out of the crate, you are rewarding that behavior and it will

continue. Try to find a toy or treat (one that will last for at least 15 minutes) that he really enjoys and ONLY give it to him when he is in the crate. Eventually he will want to go in the crate just to get that toy/treat. You are correct in not using the crate as punishment that would be counterproductive. Also, playing music in the room with the crate can help sooth the puppy. This is a similar situation to a baby crying when first sleeping in a room away from the parent. Stay strong, stay with your plan, and your puppy will become a happy, housebroken adult.